The Samba sneakers have a long-lost relationship with football

Adidas’ Samba has quickly captured the attention of celebrities and the internet, and for all the right reasons. These sneakers seamlessly fit into one’s wardrobes as the perfect complement to summer wear. Whether you choose to pair them with a white skirt like Kendall Jenner did, or with a pair of classic denims like Harry Styles, these shoes feel like a natural extension of your body, because they are that comfortable!

Part of their visual appeal lies in the soft leather upper, suede overlays, gum soles, and, of course, the trademark three stripes, which make them a high-quality product. Sambas have been trending for a while now and they've proven to be a timeless piece, with celebrites like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and more donning the sneakers frequently. In fact, the rekindled ‘Sambas’ fever led Adidas to record a net profit of about $182 million in the first three months of 2024, according to CNN. 

So it's safe to say that when we do look back at the summer of 2024, Adidas Sambas will likely be a standout. But, like all great things, they have humble beginnings—you’d be surprised to know that these statement sneakers were initially designed for athletes.

The history of the Sambas can be traced to the winter of 1950 in Germany, when players struggled to maintain grip on the country's icy fields. To address this, Dassler designed a shoe with a mid-top height, kangaroo leather upper for warmth, and a rubber gum sole for improved grip. The result was a functional yet stylish shoe that quickly became popular.However, the turning point came during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when the brand named their shoes 'Sambas' after a popular Brazilian folk dance. They did this to align themselves with Brazilian culture and naturally, to attract the attention of players—a well-thought-out marketing strategy. This worked in the brand's favour, leading players to wear them on the field. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Over the years, the Sambas underwent multiple redesigns. The went from being solely functional on icy pitches to being fit for scorching fields. This made them accessible and a smart choice for most athletes.

Slowly, the Sambas gained popularity among the younger generation and became a lifestyle choice as widely recognised today. They have also collaborated with brands, designers, and celebrities such as Grace Wales Bonner, Jonah Hill, Beyoncé, and more. 

Today, as street style continues to rise, everyone from celebrities to influencers to regular folks is still clasping on to them. Clearly, the Sambas have risen to become an inseparable part of fashion (and sports) industry and are likely to maintain their place for years to come.

Lead credit: Adidas

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